Does Queso Fresco Melt? Should You Melt It?

Not many people are familiar with this famous Mexican cheese, Queso Fresco. Naturally, that means they are also not super familiar with what it tastes like, how it can be used, and how it should be used. 

The biggest issue is that people often think, “It’s cheese, so it will melt.” And this mentally couldn’t be further from the truth! In fact, most cheeses don’t melt and can only be used in very specific ways.

So today, we will look at the question, “Can Queso Fresco melt?” And even more importantly, should you even attempt it?

The bottom line to this question is “sometimes.” This cheese can melt but rarely does. You have to apply very specific heating techniques to get it to the melting stage, and even then, success isn’t guaranteed.

That being said, in today’s article, we will take a look at exactly how you can increase the odds of getting melted creamy Queso Fresco and what tips you can follow.

We’ll also discuss the best ways to use this crumbly cheese and what Mexican cheese alternatives will melt the best.

What Is Queso Fresco?

Queso Fresco is by no means a new invention. That being said, many people have never heard of this cheese before.

That’s because it only got some mainstream attention over the last couple of years, especially in Mexican and similar fusion cuisines.

So, what exactly is it? 

Queso Fresco is a type of soft cheese with quite a high moisture content.

It’s traditionally made in Mexico, but today you will likely find many other manufacturers across the globe. While it isn’t super easy to find (depending on where you are located), it’s worth the effort and the mid-range price.

Flavor

This unique cheese is made with a mixture of cows’ milk and goats’ milk.

As you can imagine, the flavor is quite unique. If you aren’t a fan of the flavors that goats’ milk lends, don’t worry, because this cheese only has subtle hints of it underneath the fresh and slightly tangy flavor profile.

The tangy flavor comes from the addition of vinegar, lemon juice, or rennet (which helps give the cheese its unique texture as well).

If you have ever tasted Cotija cheese (another staple and arguably more popular cheese in Mexican cuisine), it’s similar without the intense saltiness.

Texture

Now, let’s talk about the texture of Queso Fresco cheese, which is as unique as its flavor.

As we’ve already mentioned, this is a soft cheese. By definition, this is one of the cheese categories with the highest moisture content. It is also a type of fresh cheese very similar to feta cheese.

It has a slightly crumbly texture, similar to low-moisture Mozzarella cheese. Again, it’s very unique, and few kinds of cheese are even remotely similar.

Does Queso Fresco Melt? Should You Melt It?

Now, the million-dollar question: Does Queso Fresco melt?

Again, a unique answer for a unique cheese. It is possible to melt Queso Fresco. However, more often than not, it doesn’t melt completely and stays crumbly.

It will soften though, making it spreadable, almost in a similar way that American cheese slices melt. But this differs from melting cheeses like Mozzarella that spreads on its own.

So in short, sometimes it will melt, and sometimes it won’t. And honestly, from what we can tell, nobody really knows how to predict the outcome and which specific brands or batches will increase your melting odds.

If you are looking for a cheese that will 100% melt, it’s better to choose an alternative. And don’t worry. We’ll get to some of them soon.

First, though, let’s take a look at how you can melt Queso Fresco cheese and some tricks that will increase your odds.

Best Way to Melt Queso Fresco

There are two secrets to melting Queso Fresco cheese.

The first is to use low heat – as low as it can go! This will obviously make the entire melting process quite lengthy. But trust us: using high heat will only soften the crumbs. It won’t actually help the cheese melt.

And again, as a reminder, Queso Fresco will soften and can be spread, but it won’t melt like Cheddar, Gouda, or Mozzarella.

The second secret is using a milk base to melt the cheese in. The added moisture will help break apart the bonds that hold the crumbled pieces together. This is completely optional, but in our opinion, the only way to almost guarantee success.

1. Stovetop Method

This is the best method to use. You have better control over the heat that you use, and you can keep an eye on the melting progress of the cheese.

You can also use larger pots if you need to melt large quantities of this cheese. 

The only downside to this technique is that the cheese may darken and even burn if you don’t monitor it closely. Remember, it’s a high-moisture cheese so it heats quite quickly. Once the moisture has evaporated, the cheese will start burning.

Step 1: Break the Cheese

This is crucial! You have to either grate, shred or chop the Queso fresco cheese into smaller pieces. This will help ensure that the cheese heats evenly and more quickly. Ultimately, it will help melt the cheese without causing some areas to burn.

Step 2: Heat the Milk

You can use goat’s milk, cow’s milk, or evaporated milk. Either way, again, it’s best to use milk. Add the milk to a large pot or pan. Heat it over medium-low heat until it starts to steam.

The milk shouldn’t boil or bubble. This will cause the milk proteins to denature, which isn’t what you want here.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

When the milk (or liquid) starts steaming, you can add the crumbled or shredded Queso Fresco. Give it a good stir so it can be incorporated with the liquid. Lower the heat to the lowest setting and leave the cheese to heat for a minute or so.

Step 4: Stir Well

When the cheese starts softening, start whisking it (very gently) until the cheese is fully melted. 

2. Microwave Method

The second method generally works quicker because the heat that you use is more instant and high. That being said, we generally have a lower success rate with this heating method than the stovetop one.

That’s because you literally have to watch the cheese melt. If you turn your attention away from what’s happening, even for a couple of seconds, your Queso Fresco mixture can burn.

Step 1: Break the Cheese

Again, it helps to break the cheese into smaller pieces so that it heats more evenly and quickly. You can add it directly into a microwave-safe bowl.

Do not fill the bowl to the top. You have to allow it some space to bubble if it needs to. If you don’t, it may just create a massive mess!

Step 2: Melt the Cheese

Add the bowl of crumbled Queso Fresco to the microwave. You can also add the liquid if you want a runnier consistency.

If possible, set the microwave to a medium heat setting. This will allow the cheese to melt without instantly burning. Microwave the cheese for 1 minute, then give it a good stir.

Step 3: Continue Melting in Short Intervals

After the initial minute, continue heating and stirring the Queso Fresco in 30-second intervals.

Again, if you want to thin the consistency, you can slowly add more liquid if need be. Continue the process until the cheese is completely melted.

Tips for Using Melted Queso Fresco

Regardless of which method you end up using, there are some things that don’t change when it comes to serving melted cheese.

Serve Immediately

To start, you have to serve it immediately. If you leave it to cool, the cheese proteins will re-coagulate and become hard again.

“Well, just melt it again,” is what most people would say. But that’s like re-melting seized chocolate. It’s just not happening!

Keep the Cheese Melted

Now, to keep the cheese melted, we have some tricks up our sleeves. 

The best way to do this is to keep the melted cheese in a heatproof bowl over some simmering water. You will need to give it the occasional stir to prevent the bottom from coagulating.

You can also keep the melted cheese in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. The oven doesn’t have to be set very high, and a temperature around 300ºF (150ºC) should be more than hot enough. The foil covering will protect the top from burning or darkening, while also keeping the cheese moist.

Adjust the Consistency

If you want to make the melted cheese runnier, add more liquid. Just don’t add too much at a time as the mixture won’t have a uniform melted consistency. Start with 1 or 2 tablespoons of milk (for the initial melting process).

If you want a runnier consistency, keep adding 1 tablespoon of liquid at a time. Whisk it in very well to ensure the consistency remains uniform.

Best Uses for Queso Fresco

Now, while you can use Queso Fresco as a delicious melted topping or dipping sauce, there are other, arguably better, ways to use this unique tasty cheese.

Let’s take a look!

Salads

This is one of the most popular ways Queso Fresco cheese is used. It makes a delicious addition to fresh or roasted veggies salads.

This cheese pairs well with watermelon, mint, grated carrots, bell peppers, and pomegranate. If you want to create your own flavor pairing, you will need to do some research on what works and what doesn’t.

Then, you can also pair it with more autumn or winter-like salads. A hearty couscous salad with roasted pumpkin, grilled asparagus, chopped pecan nuts, and a delicious maple or balsamic dressing – we’re drooling already!

Filling

There are two ways you can use Queso Fresco as a filling: melted (using our methods above) or half-melted (when the cheese refuses to become as melty as you want it to).

Either way, you won’t really have to look at the texture of the cheese and it will still function as a binding ingredient.

Furthermore, it’s a delicious way to add a unique flavor profile to fillings for chicken, pies, burritos, samosas, or spring rolls. Even if the item isn’t traditionally Mexican, that’s the beauty of fusion cuisine!

Topping

There are many ways you can add this crumbly cheese as a topping. One popular option that comes to mind is grilled corn with crumbled Queso Fresco and chili butter.

You can also use it as a topping for soups, casseroles, tacos, enchiladas, or nachos.

Garnish

Now, what’s the difference between a topping and a garnish? Well, garnishes are usually added in smaller quantities than toppings.

Think about it: is cheese a topping on pizza or a garnish? A topping, obviously. But how about Parmesan shavings over pasta? In smaller quantities, it functions as a garnish. It adds flavor but isn’t the hero element of a dish.

Best Alternative Mexican Cheeses That Melt

Now, as promised, here are the best alternatives for Queso Fresco if you are specifically looking for a Mexican cheese that melts perfectly!

Oaxaca

This is probably our favorite alternative on the list today. That’s simply because it’s the easiest to find (from our experience) between the options.

It is another type of soft white cheese that many also describe as Mexican string cheese. It is an extremely easy-to-use and, more importantly, easy-to-melt option. 

You can use it as a topping for casseroles and simply leave it to melt and grill in the oven. It can also be melted over the stovetop and used as a sauce or cheesy dip.

The only downside to this cheese (as a substitute specifically for Queso Fresco) is that it doesn’t taste similar. It has a mild flavor as well but leans more towards the earthy spectrum of flavors and is a lot creamier.

Other than that, arguably the best Mexican melting cheese out there!

Queso Asadero

This popular option is often used in quesadillas, pizzas, nachos, and enchiladas. So, as you can imagine it’s a cheese that melts really well!

This cheese has a similar consistency to Mozzarella. It’s not super soft and has a stringier consistency, not crumbly. The flavor is also on the milder side and not nearly as unique as Queso Fresco. But it’s a tasty option nevertheless.

It’s slightly harder to find than Oaxaca depending on where you are. But it’s often more affordable.

Queso Chihuahua

Also called “Menonita,” this cheese is less common and often harder to find. Nevertheless, if you can get your hands on some, it’s worth a try!

Queso Chihuahua is a milk and buttery option that has a slightly sharp undertone, similar to cheddar cheese.

This isn’t a soft cheese and has a much firmer consistency due to the aging process it underwent. But while it differs from Queso Fresco in most ways, it’s still a fantastic Mexican cheese alternative.